[Editor’s note: The following contains major spoilers for Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City.]

Throughout Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City, Maggie (Lauren Cohan) grapples with her internal struggles and emotional turmoil, especially regarding her complex feelings toward Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). This season, she also faces the challenges of parenting her teenage son Hershel (Logan Kim), who is evidently harboring his own secrets. The introduction of formidable characters such as The Dama (Lisa Emery), The Croat (Željko Ivanek), and the New Babylon Federation, along with Bruegel (Kim Coates), adds layers of complexity to an already shifting landscape of alliances. Throughout this perilous journey, the tension between loyalty to others and the instinct for self-preservation remains palpably intense.

Collider had the privilege of speaking directly with Cohan about her experience making her mark on the The Walking Dead Universe as the director of an episode of Dead City this season. She delved into the symbolism of the bear featured in that episode, which fueled her passion for directing again. Cohan also reflected on Maggie’s pivotal moment of confronting The Dama, which culminated in her stabbing Negan in the back. This act, while not fatal for him, raises questions about her commitment to the character. She shared her insights on the future of Maggie and Negan’s relationship, her hopes for Hershel’s character development, and the character reunion she envisions.

Transformative Directing Experience in Season 2 of ‘Dead City’ Gives Lauren Cohan a New Perspective

“This was an incredibly enlightening experience.”

Collider: As a long-standing member of the The Walking Dead universe, how did you experience directing an episode?

LAUREN COHAN: That’s a fantastic question. The opportunity to delve deeper into the character and the narrative was invaluable. The more I engaged in interrogating and exploring every aspect, the more it enriched the episode. The tone of this series diverges from that of the original show, which often requires a shift in perspective and approach. This experience empowered me to examine character nuances not only for Maggie but also for all involved, including Negan and others. It was an enlightening process that allowed me to view the story from a broader lens. Although I’ve portrayed Maggie for years, stepping into the director’s role transformed my understanding of the ensemble and the intricate dynamics at play. It truly was a fascinating experience.

Regarding the bear that appeared in the episode, you previously mentioned considering other animals. What alternatives did you contemplate, and why is the bear so impactful?

COHAN: None of the alternatives came close to the bear’s significance. I was ecstatic with how convincingly the bear was portrayed because it added so many layers to our storytelling. After rewatching the episode two months later, I was genuinely impressed by how realistic the bear appeared. The creative team did an outstanding job. We initially considered a mountain lion or even a pack of wolves, but somehow the writers settled on the bear as the fiercest option. The bear serves as a powerful symbol for Hershel and represents the inner beast that resides within him, but it also embodies the fierce protectiveness of a mother bear.

In crafting the bear’s narrative, we sought to humanize its motivations while maintaining its terrifying presence. The story of an animal fighting for survival and protecting its own resonates deeply with Maggie, Negan, and Hershel and reflects their own struggles within the series.

Did you feel an immediate urge to direct again after your episode?

COHAN: Absolutely! The moment I wrapped up directing, my thoughts were already racing with ideas for future projects, although I knew it wouldn’t be immediate since we still had two episodes left to film. It felt akin to the exhilarating but exhausting experience of childbirth. Creatively, it felt like I had just cracked open a vast universe of opportunities. I became acutely aware of everything I wanted to improve and learn in my craft. The entire experience was fulfilling and challenging, creating a deep bond with the cast and crew. As I engaged in the process, I began jotting down notes mentally for what I wanted to learn and improve upon in the future.

Post-directing, my perspective on reading scripts, watching performances, and interacting with others in acting mode has shifted significantly. It’s as if I have been transformed in various ways through this experience. The longer we pursue our craft, the more we solidify our skills and knowledge. Watching Lilo and Stitch recently reminded me of this transformation—when Stitch enters the water, he becomes denser and heavier, symbolizing how we gain depth and complexity through experiences. The more we learn, the more we want to continue this journey.

Lauren Cohan Enjoys the High-Stakes Face-Off with The Dama in ‘Dead City’

“Hershel has become fully invested in the world of this woman.”

What was the experience like to film the intense scene with Maggie tied up while confronting The Dama? How did it feel to have this significant moment come to fruition, considering everything she knows by that time?

COHAN: It was heart-wrenching to see how deeply invested Hershel has become in The Dama’s world. The manipulative power The Dama wields over him while I’m tied up is truly heartbreaking. To be honest, the process of shooting that scene was incredibly frustrating. I was bound by copper bands that took a long time to secure, making it easier to create a scenario where escape was impossible. Between setups, I found myself saying, “Don’t undo it. Just leave me here.” Filming is always time-sensitive, and being physically restrained while sitting on the floor felt exhausting. It truly gave me a sense of being constrained and beaten down. However, working alongside Lisa was an exhilarating experience, as we explored the emotional depth of Maggie’s character and her past traumas, which was creatively fulfilling.

In that pivotal moment when Negan is about to kill Gaius Charles’ character with the bat, and Maggie stabs him in the back before picking up Lucille, what was it like to carry the bat around? Did Jeffrey Dean Morgan have any protective instincts regarding it?

COHAN: Absolutely! There was an intense level of energy surrounding that moment because Maggie’s act of stabbing is scripted as an ecstatic release. For me, it was essential to consider what it would feel like to follow through on that act after imagining it countless times. The moment of tension release was monumental. Would this act alleviate the pain? Would it resolve the conflicts between her and Negan, and the misunderstandings with her son? Briefly, she experiences a moment of bliss, but it is short-lived. This sequence was reminiscent of when Rick faced Negan, and although Maggie takes action, it doesn’t signify an end for her character.

Lauren Cohan Expresses Desire for a Significant Reunion in ‘Dead City’

“It would be a mind-blowing reunion.”

With Jeffrey Dean Morgan hinting at the potential end of his time as Negan, have you considered how long you’d like to continue portraying Maggie within this universe?

COHAN: We’ve had discussions about taking the characters somewhere that ultimately leads to a grand reunion, creating a significant intersection of all the major characters. I genuinely believe it would blow people’s minds and ours as well. It would represent the ultimate reunion and conclusion for the series. As for how we explore our story in Dead City, the new direction keeps our narrative alive and evolving. There’s a bright future ahead for Maggie within this long-term arc, and I am committed to seeing it through until that light emerges.

After the intense moment when Maggie stabs someone in the back and has her own struggles, what are your hopes for the characters moving forward? Do you want to see more interaction between Maggie and Negan in a potential Season 3?

COHAN: That’s precisely what I wish to see next. I wouldn’t call it a truce, but they have both been pushed to their limits. I envision a scenario where they reach an understanding that allows for a coexistence that isn’t necessarily lethal. This decision would open up new narrative possibilities, shattering expectations and creating unpredictable dynamics among the characters. That is the journey I hope to explore next.

Lauren Cohan’s Aspirations for Maggie to Prevent Hershel from Embarking on a Villainous Path in ‘Dead City’

“No matter how devoted a parent you are, there will always be risks of influence.”

Do you believe Maggie can prevent Hershel from becoming a villain and crossing that line?

COHAN: I genuinely hope so. This storyline symbolizes the potential influences that can affect young individuals. No matter how dedicated a parent may be, there will always be risks of external influences. It’s a daunting reality. For both Maggie and Hershel, this journey serves as a vital learning experience. Hershel still has a significant amount of time on his side to navigate these influences. For Maggie, the trauma and despair she has faced over the seasons create a tunnel vision that makes it difficult to see clearly. However, this season introduces glimmers of hope for her character. The survival strategies she has relied upon are no longer viable, and the breaking points they encounter are often the beginnings of new stories. Despite the challenges, this offers a sense of optimism amidst the darkness.

The Walking Dead: Dead City is available to stream on AMC+. Check out the Season 2 trailer: